I wonder how many Ziners would agree that airports have become
glorified bus stations - a place to transit.

This is unfortunate because, generally speaking at international
airports, travellers are tired and/or cranky while they are there and
we have paid a lot of money to get to our destination. I have no
favourites. However I can say that sleeping on the floor in the
Mexico City Airport is more comfortable than sleeping in Marseilles
Airport (I've had to do both). Calcutta airport is fine if you assert
yourself and the Kathmandu airport staff understand if you order
countlesss cups of tea because you have to spend countless hours there
while waiting for a flight.

Honolulu is best forgotten as a bad experience but, believe it or not,
La Guardia has good signage, efficient service and amaiable staff, in
my experience. Chicago is also a good bet. Because so many flights
are channelled through there, they will hold a flight to wait for you
if your incoming flight is late. If they can't, they will bend over
backward to accommodate you. This happened to me twice and my luggage
even made it to Toronto.

Beijing Airport is interesting too. We arrived late and bullied our
way (we were nice but assertive) on to a flight to India and the
Chinese security let us through.

Heathrow has it down pat if you have to spend time there. Lots of
shops for the traveller when your flight is late (the norm) and
showers, but you can find yourself having spent a lot of money in the
shops because of the delays.

For a boring experience, and surly service, I am sorry to say that
Pearson Airport at Toronto is right up there.

Lucy (who flies out of the Island Airport whenever possible) in
Toronto